Choosing Between DTG and DTF: A Comprehensive Overview

Decoding the Colors in Printing Expanding a color palette can greatly enhance the print's core colors and overall appearance. In today's rapidly evolving printing world, especially in Direct to Film (DTF) printing, it's quite common to come across CMYK. More advanced models are now offering extended gamut, which broadens the spectrum of colors in printing. This shift towards an extended gamut, seen in many hybrid machines, is something to be keenly aware of, especially when considering the products of brands like Cornea.

The Evolution of DTG Printing Direct to Garment (DTG) printers have undergone a significant transformation over the years. When they first appeared around two decades ago, the results they produced were comparable to impressionist paintings - they only loosely resembled their intended image when viewed from a distance. But the leaps in technology since then have been astounding. Today, DTG printers are capable of producing intricately detailed and beautifully rendered prints that were once thought impossible.

Comparing Digital Printing and Screen Printing The ever-present debate in the printing world revolves around the digital vs. screen printing dilemma. Despite the rise of digital methods, approximately 95% of all garments in the market are still screen printed. The remaining percentage is a mix of DTG, DTF, embroidery, sublimation, and other unique methods like hand-painting. The reasons for screen printing's dominance can be summarized by what many term the "digital tipping point."

Three factors play a pivotal role:

1. Cost Per Print (CPP): Currently, digital printing, especially DTG, is more expensive. While costs have decreased over the years, they're still significantly higher than screen printing. For instance, where a digital print might cost upwards of $2 just for ink, a screen print might only cost 20 cents.
2. Printing Speed: DTG has been historically slow, and while recent innovations have made it faster, speed usually comes at a premium. For example, Cornea's newest model can print 300 garments an hour but comes with a hefty $1.5 million price tag.
3. Printable Substrates: Not all materials are compatible with DTG. While many claim its versatility, in practice, it works best on premium cotton. Issues arise with materials like polyester, where colors can bleed or change due to the high temperatures required for DTG.

A Glimpse at Digital Printing Methods When diving deeper into digital printing, it's essential to explore each method, understanding its pros and cons. DTG, for instance, offers various levels and brands. Brands like Ricoh and Epson have ventured into this space, evolving from repurposed models to specialized printing machines tailored for the task.

Why Digital Printing Hasn’t Outpaced Screen Printing The primary reasons digital printing hasn't entirely overtaken screen printing are cost, speed, and substrate limitations. Screen printing is versatile, being able to print on almost any surface, making it a more flexible choice for many businesses. Digital printing is a specialized business model that requires a specific approach. However, with brands like Cornea pushing the boundaries, the future might see more balance between the two.

Exploring Each Digital Printing Method To make an informed choice, one should individually explore each digital printing method, understanding its nuances. For example, the DTG method has various levels, from entry-level machines by brands like Ricoh and Epson to more advanced models.For those seeking cutting-edge innovations in printing, troubleshooting assistance, or simply needing to restock on printing supplies, make your next stop www.bchtechnologies.com. From regular printer refills to specialized supplies for sublimation and DTF printing, we have it all. Dive deeper into the world of printing by visiting our YouTube channel, Kevin at BCH. With an array of informative videos, Kevin's expertise is just a click away, ready to guide you through any challenge you might face in the printing realm. If you're in the area or planning a visit, drop by and see us in Greensboro, North Carolina!